Food Recall Research Articles

Occurrence of <i>Salmonella</i> and presumptive <i>Bacillus cereus</i> in sesame products from Swiss retail stores

Sesame products such as tahini (tahin) or halva (halwa or helva), originating from Arabic cuisine, are becoming increasingly popular in Switzerland. Pathogens, such as Salmonella, can contaminate sesame products, as evidenced by various product recalls. In this study, the occurrence of Salmonella and Bacillus cereus group members was investigated in 100 sesame products (25 sesame seeds, 16 halva, 19 different sesame pastes, 7 sesame bars, 25 hummus, and 8 other products containing sesame) collected from Swiss retail stores. None of the products were positive for Salmonella, whereas B. cereus group members could be detected with bacterial counts between 1×102 and 9×102 CFU/g in 11 out of 100 (11%) products. The 11 isolates identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight were whole-genome sequenced with Illumina technology to confirm the identity of the pathogen, determine its toxin gene profile, and perform panC typing. Most of the isolates harbored genes encoding the enterotoxins Nhe, Hbl, and CytK. The isolates were assigned to diverse B. cereus group members, including one identified as B. cytotoxicus. In addition, one of the isolates matched genetically with the Thurigiensis strain used in biopesticide products. In conclusion, none of the investigated sesame products contained significant levels of Salmonella or B. cereus group members. However, as B. cereus with pathogenic potential was detected in multiple samples, proper storage is crucial to prevent its growth and ensure consumer safety, especially for products with high water activity such as hummus.

Meat consumption and racial/ethnic disparities in population-based study in the city Campinas, Brazil

The aim of the present study was to investigate meat consumption among adults residing in a city in the countryside of São Paulo, Campinas, according to ethnicity/skin color in two periods: 2008/2009 and 2014/2015, given the scarce literature on the subject. Thus, we sought to evaluate the association between race/color and consumption of meat, a food of great cultural value, based on the hypothesis that this demographic marker is relevant to explain food choices. A cross-sectional population-based study evaluating participants from the Health Survey of the City of Campinas (ISACAMP) was conducted in 2008/2009 and 2014/2015, with 2,354 and 1,606 individuals respectively, aged 20y or older. Food consumption data were collected using the 24-hour food recall method and meats were classified according to animal origin and type of processing. Linear regression models were run to assess the association between meat consumption and sociodemographic variables with a significance level of 5%. Lower total consumption of meat, red meat, beef and fish was found among individuals with self-declared black skin color compared to those with self-declared white skin color. Red meat consumption varied from 109.4g to 157.9g in 2008/2009 and from 102.1g to 125.1g in 2014/2015 between the groups, remaining above the recommendation in both periods. The World Cancer Research Fund recommends consuming between 50 and 71.4 g/day of red meat; thus, these findings reinforce the importance of studies that investigate the impact of ethnicity on food consumption, since racial disparities may be in the origin of the insufficient or excessive consumption of certain types of meat, and understanding the factors associated with the consumption of types of meat is relevant for the adoption of health actions aimed at adequate food intake.

Investigating how eating behavior shapes mental health: A cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to examine the relationship between eating behavior, nutritional status and mental health. It is a cross-sectional study conducted on a sample of 360 healthy individuals aged 19-64 years. The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) was used to evaluate mental health and the Three-Factor Eating Scale (TFEQ-R21) was used to assess eating behavior. The Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) score was calculated from participants' 24 h food recalls as an indicator of diet quality. The mean age of the participants was 26.0 ± 8.40 years, and 50.6 % were female. Multivariate logistic regression model was performed. A statistically significant relationship was found between the participants' GHQ-12 score and both their emotional eating and uncontrolled eating scores (p < 0.001 for each). It was determined that individuals who had high levels of emotional eating and uncontrolled eating behaviors, along with higher dietary protein and lipid intake, and lower intake of long-chain fatty acids, were at a higher risk of mental health deterioration, according to the established model (R2 = 0.214). Dietary energy and nutrient intakes such as niacin, vitamin B12, folic acid, phosphorus, iron, sodium and carotene, as well as diet quality and BMI were not associated with mental health according to the model in this study. Eating behavior is associated with mental well-being, and nutritional status may be one of the underlying factors contributing to this association.

New Perspectives on Canned Fish Quality and Safety on the Road to Sustainability.

Canning extends the shelf life of seafood products while preserving their quality. It is increasingly considered a more sustainable food processing method due to the primary fishing methods used for key species and the lower energy costs compared to the production of fresh and frozen fish. However, canning can change key components, allow some contaminants to persist, and generate undesirable compounds. This review revisits the effects of canning on product quality and highlights the potential hazards that may compromise safety. It also examines emerging trends in product development, particularly novel formulations aimed at optimizing nutritional value while maintaining safety standards without compromising sustainability. Overall, the quality of most canned seafood meets industry requirements, for example, with improvements in processing strategies and strict safety protocols, leading to reduced histamine levels. However, data on marine biotoxins and microplastics in canned seafood remain limited, calling for more research and monitoring. Environmental contaminants, along with those generated during processing, are generally found to be within acceptable limits. Product recalls related to these contaminants in Europe are scarce, but continuous monitoring and regulatory enforcement remain essential. While new formulations of canned fish show promise, they require thorough evaluation to ensure both nutritional value and safety.

Food recalls: An unnecessary and preventable factor in food waste

First paragraph: Food recalls are initiated by food manufacturers or mandated by regulatory agencies when a problem that can harm the public is identified. Recalls take place after the products have left the processing facility and are no longer under the processor’s control, and their primary goal is to minimize harm by retrieving as much product as possible from the market. Not all recalls have the same gravity. In the U.S., food recalls are classified by the U.S. Depart­ment of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) into three classes based on the severity of health risks, with Class I being the most severe; a Class I recall is for defec­tive products that can cause severe health effects or death (FDA, 2024, p. 7-1; USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service [USDA FSIS], 2024-b). . . .

US Food and Drug Administration recalls of cosmetic and personal products from 2011 to 2023: A cross-sectional study

US Food and Drug Administration recalls of cosmetic and personal products from 2011 to 2023: A cross-sectional study

Costs of Overly Broad Recalls.

Overly broad recalls following an FDA advisory occur when the source of an outbreak is originally misidentified or cannot be promptly identified. In this situation, an entire product category might be recalled (e.g., romaine lettuce), such that the recall extends to uncontaminated product lots, imposing spillover costs on entities that would otherwise be unaffected. There are, however, very few published studies that estimate the potential magnitude of these spillover costs. Using a formal structured elicitation methodology, this study develops expert estimates of the spillover costs firms typically incur in responding to an overly broad recall following an FDA product advisory. We find that the range of costs varies widely by type and size of firm, with producers incurring median costs per recall ranging from $3.0 million to $72.7 million per firm, shippers/distributors from $0.1 million to $2.3 million per firm, restaurants from $0.04 million to $1.1 million per firm, and non-restaurant retailers from $0.1 million to $3.1 million per firm. The results of this study can help inform food policy discussions geared toward assessing the benefits of traceability in terms of avoided costs of overly broad food recalls. Industry is often reluctant to provide estimates on the costs of recalls. This study fills that void by estimating the per-firm costs incurred by food supply chain entities due to overly broad recalls.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE HABIT OF BRINGING LUNCH AND ENERGY INTAKE WITH NUTRITIONAL STATUS IN ADOLESCENT GIRLS AT SMAN 1 CIKARANG SELATAN

Introduction: School age is a critical stage where energy and nutrient needs must be met, as adolescents are in a phase of growth and development. Therefore, it is essential to ensure high-quality food that can meet the nutritional needs of adolescents while they are at school. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between the habit of bringing lunch and energy intake with the nutritional status of female adolescents. Methods: This study used a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional design. The population in this study were adolescent female students at SMAN 1 Cikarang Selatan. The sample of 50 people was taken by purposive sampling. Data collection was conducted using a food consumption assessment questionnaire, namely the 24-hour food recall, along with a body weight scale, microtoise, and metline. Kolmogorov Smirnov test was used to test normality, and Pearson test to see the relationship between variables. Results: Based on statistical tests there is a relationship between the habit of bringing lunch with a significant nutritional status based on Z-Score IMT / U (p-value = 0.002), there is a relationship between the habit of bringing lunch withnutritional status based on %LILA (p-value 0.000) and there is no relationship between energy intake with nutritional status based on ZScore IMT/U (p-value 0.442), and no association was found between energy intake and nutritional status based on %LILA (p-value=0.570). Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between the habit of bringing lunch according to Z-Score IMT/U and %LILA.

Maternal Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Status in Pregnancy and Newborn Body Composition.

A number of clinical studies have shown a positive association between the maternal n-3 PUFA status during pregnancy and fetal and newborn development and health. Despite this well-documented role of n-3 PUFAs in pregnancy, data on maternal the LC-PUFAs status during pregnancy in the Indonesian population, to our knowledge, are not yet available. This study reports on the LC-PUFA dietary intake among pregnant women in a suburban population of Bogor City, West Java, Indonesia. It also explores the associations of maternal LC-PUFA intake with maternal blood, cord blood, and breast milk LC-PUFA levels and the associations of the latter with infant body composition. A total of 142 pregnant women and 104 newborn infants were included in this study. The dietary intake of energy, macronutrients, and selected LC-PUFAs (LA, ALA, EPA, and DHA) was assessed by 2 × 24 h food recall and FFQ. LC-PUFA levels were measured in maternal blood, cord blood, and breast milk. Newborn body composition was determined by anthropometric measures. The study found that the inadequate intake of energy, protein, and carbohydrates was highly prevalent among pregnant women subjects. The intake of the most important n-3 PUFAs (ALA, EPA, and DHA) was far below the recommended values. Maternal dietary DHA intakes were negatively associated with birth weight and infant fat mass at birth, and dietary intake of total fat and n-6 LA were associated with increased fat accumulation in newborns at specific body sites. Moreover, positive correlations were identified between the EPA in maternal blood and infant % fat mass, and between the DHA in cord blood and newborn birth weight. Further longitudinal studies, including clinical and biomolecular analyses, are suggested to be conducted to monitor maternal and child health and nutrition in Indonesia and develop well-attuned intervention strategies.

IoT, Blockchain, Big Data and Artificial Intelligence (IBBA) Framework—For Real-Time Food Safety Monitoring

Technological advancements in mechanized food production have expanded markets beyond geographical boundaries. At the same time, the risk of contamination has increased severalfold, often resulting in significant damage in terms of food wastage, economic loss to the producers, danger to public health, or all of these. In general, governments across the world have recognized the importance of having food safety processes in place to impose food recalls as required. However, the primary challenges to the existing practices are delays in identifying unsafe food, siloed data handling, delayed decision making, and tracing the source of contamination. Leveraging the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G, blockchains, cloud computing, and big data, a novel framework has been proposed to address the current challenges. The framework enables real-time data gathering and in situ application of machine learning-powered algorithms to predict contamination and facilitate instant decision making. Since the data are processed in real time, the proposed approach enables contamination to be identified early and informed decisions to be made confidently, thereby helping to reduce damage significantly. The proposed approach also throws up new challenges in terms of the implementation of changes to data collection across all phases of food production, onboarding various stockholders, and adaptation to a new process.

The Fat Level in the Breast Milk and Its Association with Dietary Intake and Body Mass Index of Breastfeeding Mothers in Central Ethiopia, 2017

Human milk is not static; it is an invariant fluid that fluctuates in micro and macronutrient composition during feeding. The fat in human milk contributes above half the energy the infant demands. Moreover, fat is one of the most essential nutrients for brain tissue development during infancy. However, the effect of maternal nutritional status, including dietary intake, on human milk fat levels is not well investigated, particularly in developing nations. This study aimed to assess the level of human milk fat and its association with dietary consumption and BMI of the lactating mother in Burayyu Town, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 206 lactating mothers with infants aged between 2-9 months in Burayu Town, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Data collection was completed from April 1-April 28, 2017, using the multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and standard measurement procedures, which included, among other things, nutritional status, BMI, and human milk, and repeated multiple pass 24-hour dietary recalls. The human milk sample was transported to the Holeta laboratory center by ice bag and stored at -20°C until Laboratory analysis. EPI data was applied for data entry, and 24-hour food recall was processed using Excel, Nutrition Survey, and IMAPP software. Then, it was exported to STATA version 14 for statistical analysis. A multivariable linear regression model was applied to determine the association between human milk fat level, dietary intake and BMI of lactating mothers by controlling other confounding factors. The mean (±SD) energy intake of lactating mothers was (1820.99 ± 399.98) Kcal, while the mean (±SD) of fat, protein, and carbohydrate intake of lactating mothers was found to be 43.49 ± 18.6 g/day, 89.95 ± 38 g/day and 275.58 ± 62.8 g/day respectively. The lactating mother's mean (±SD) human milk fat level was (3.03 ± 1.03) g/dl. This study did not find any significant association between human milk fat level with energy (β = 0.0002, 95% CI: -0.0004-0.0007), fat (β = -0.004, 95% CI: -0.018-0.009), protein (β = -0.0036, 95% CI: -0.011-0.0037), and carbohydrate intake (β = 0.003, 95% CI: -0.0003-0.006) respectively. Moreover, cesarean section delivery (β = -0.55825, 95% CI: -1.02954 - -0.08696) was inversely associated with human milk fat level. However, human milk fat level was positively associated with breastfeeding frequency (β = 0.074, 95% CI: 0.008-0.139), frequency of meat eating (β = 0.22123, 95% CI: 0.04681-0.39566), and early initiation of human milk (β = 0.19987, 95% CI: 0.03223-0.36751) respectively. Conclusion: Human milk fat content is pretty in the constant range (2-5 g/10 ml) and is not affected by maternal nutrition of energy intake, fat, carbohydrate, or BMI of the mother. It has a significantly positive association with the frequency of eating meat and feeding frequency. The mean human milk fat level is lower than that reported in other countries; however, it would fulfill most infant energy requirements.

Managing quality risk in supply chain to drive firm’s quality performance: the mediating role of supply chain quality integration

PurposeAs quality becomes increasingly prioritized in supply chain management, understanding how supply chain quality risk management (SCQRM) practices impact quality performance (QP) is essential. This study investigates the effects of two SCQRM practices – risk prevention (RP) and proactive product recall (PPR) – on QP, with a particular focus on the mediating role of supply chain quality integration (SCQI).Design/methodology/approachA structured survey was administered to gather data from 400 Chinese manufacturing firms. Structural equation modeling was employed to evaluate the proposed relationships among SCQRM practices (RP and PPR), SCQI and QP.FindingsThe findings reveal that both RP and PPR significantly and positively influence QP. Specifically, in the structural model, RP exerts a positive effect on SCQI, while PPR also positively impacts SCQI. Additionally, SCQI serves as a mediator between RP and QP, as well as between PPR and QP.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the supply chain management literature by elucidating the beneficial effects of RP and PPR on QP and identifying SCQI as a key mediating factor in these relationships. Leveraging information processing theory (IPT), the study provides new theoretical insights into the mechanisms through which SCQRM enhances QP via SCQI.

Analysis of The Association Between Nutrient Intake and Bone Mineral Density in College Students

Background: Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by brittle bone prone to fracture. The risk increases significantly with age, particularly among women. An effective approach for understanding and preventing the progression of osteoporosis is by examining bone mineral density (BMD), with diet playing an essential role. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the association between nutrient intake and BMD in female students at the University of Lampung.Method: This analytical observational study adopted a cross-sectional design. A total of 150 female students at the University of Lampung, were selected as samples using a multistage random sampling technique. The study variables were BMD and nutrient intake, specifically calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin D, and protein. BMD was assessed based on examination using an ultrasound bone densitometer, while nutrient intake was measured through 2x24h food recall. In the process, data analysis was conducted using the chi-square test.Result: The results showed that female students had BMD in the osteopenia category of 52.7% and osteoporosis of 10%. Calcium and phosphorus intake were associated with BMD in Lampung University female students (p&lt;0.01; p=0.11), while intake of magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin D, and protein did not correlate (p=0.751; p=0.382; p =0.41; p=0.694). Therefore, meeting calcium and phosphorus needs from an early age is essential to prevent osteoporosis.

Sodium, Potassium Intake, and Sleep Duration Linked to Hypertension in Adults 40-60 in East Jakarta

Hypertension is a non-communicable disease with an increasing prevalence in Indonesia, often referred to as a silent killer due to its asymptomatic nature until serious complications like stroke or kidney failure occur. This study aims to analyze the relationship between sodium intake, potassium intake, and sleep duration with hypertension among middle-aged individuals (40-60 years) in Kramat Jati Subdistrict, East Jakarta. A cross-sectional design was used, involving 97 purposively selected respondents. Data on sodium and potassium intake were collected using a 24-hour food recall method, sleep duration through structured interviews, and hypertension status through blood pressure measurements. Data were analyzed using Chi-Square and Fisher’s Exact Test. The results showed no significant relationship between sodium intake and hypertension (p = 0.218), although 75% of respondents consumed excessive sodium. Conversely, potassium intake had a significant relationship with hypertension (p = 0.047), with 71% of respondents with sufficient potassium intake being non-hypertensive. Sleep duration also showed a significant association with hypertension (p = 0.032), as respondents with less than six hours of sleep had higher blood pressure. This study concludes the importance of maintaining dietary balance by increasing potassium intake, reducing sodium, and ensuring adequate sleep duration to prevent hypertension. Public education on healthy lifestyles is recommended to lower hypertension risk in urban middle-aged populations.

The Influence of Body Image and Energy Intake on Nutritional Status in Adolescents at SMAN 1 Cirebon City, Indonesia

Background: Adolescents are among the groups vulnerable to nutritional problems. These issues can arise due to restrictive diets, self-assessment (body image), lifestyle choices, energy intake, physical activity, and knowledge of balanced nutrition. According to the WHO (2018), the prevalence of overnutrition among adolescents aged 15–19 years has risen significantly from 4% to over 18%. The increase was observed in 18% of females and 19% of males. Aims: This research aims to examine the correlation between body image, energy intake, and nutritional status among adolescents at SMAN 1 in Cirebon City. Methods: A quantitative approach with a descriptive research design was employed in this study. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling. Primary data were collected through questionnaires, 24-hour food recall interviews, and measurements of body weight and height. Statistical analyses included univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: The findings indicate that most adolescents had a negative body image (60.1%), good energy intake (44.0%), and normal nutritional status (70.2%). Data analysis using the Ordinal Logistic Regression test revealed that body image significantly affects nutritional status (p &lt; 0.001), and energy intake also significantly affects nutritional status (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: This study concluded that body image and energy intake significantly influence the nutritional status of adolescents. Statistical analysis demonstrated that adolescents with a positive body image and good energy intake are more likely to have normal nutritional status. Received: 25 September 2024 | Reviewed: 16 October 2024 | Revised: 30 November 2024 | Accepted: 12 December 2024.

The Determinants of Recall Event Timing of Contaminated Frozen Poultry Products in Retail Outlets in North-Central Nigeria

This study examined the determinants of the recall event timing of contaminated frozen poultry products in retail outlets in North-Central Nigeria. It specifically identified the potential sources of frozen poultry product hazards in retail outlets, assessed the effectiveness of existing management strategies employed by retailers in preventing frozen poultry product recall in the outlets, and examined the factors influencing the recall event timing of contaminated frozen poultry products in retail outlets in the study area. Multistage sampling was employed to sample 202 respondents, and the data collected using a well-structured questionnaire was analyzed using descriptive statistics and discrete-time survival analysis. The results showed that most of the frozen poultry product retailers in outlets in the study area were men within the age bracket of 21 and 40 years and had a monthly restocking frequency of approximately four times. The result revealed that power outage was the highest potential source of hazards associated with frozen poultry products in retail outlets in the study area. Packaging poultry products before freezing, product labelling, and fridge segmentation are effective management strategies. The result of the factors influencing the recall event timing of contaminated frozen poultry products in retail outlets showed that retailing experience (P&lt;0.01) and cooperative membership (P&gt;0.01) significantly influenced the recall event timing of contaminated frozen poultry products in the study area. The study recommends that the Government offer tax incentives to retailers investing in reliable backup power solutions and provide guidelines for effective communication during recall events.

Association between Food and Beverage Social Media Exposure with Nutritional Intake of Female Adolescents at SMA Negeri 1 Kota Cirebon, Indonesia

Background: Previous studies have indicated that exposure to social media can impact adolescents' nutritional intake. Given that 87.5% of Indonesian adolescents use the internet to access social media. Aims: This study aims to analyze how exposure to social media content about food and beverage affect their nutritional intake. Method: The research method used in this study was analytical observational with a cross-sectional approach, involving 114 respondents. Data was collected through a questionnaire of food and beverage social media exposure, anthropometric measurements, and direct interviews using a 24-hour food recall format. Data was analyzed using the Spearman correlation test. Results: Based on the analysis results, it can be concluded that there is a negative relationship between exposure to social media related to food and beverage and adolescent nutritional intake. This means that as exposure to social media content about food and beverage increases, adolescents tend to have lower nutritional intake. The Spearman correlation coefficient of -0.23 supports this finding, indicating a weak but statistically significant negative association. Conclusion: This negative correlation suggests that social media may influence adolescents in ways that may be detrimental to their overall nutritional health. For example, social media platforms often promote foods and beverages that are high in sugar, fat, and calories, which can lead adolescents to make less healthy food choices. In addition, constant exposure to food-related content may create unrealistic expectations about diet and body image, potentially influencing their eating habits. Recommendations for future research focus on the types of food-related content that adolescents encounter, distinguishing between promotional and educational messages, a more diverse sample of adolescents from different schools and socioeconomic backgrounds, and examining confounding variables such as physical activity levels and peer influence. Received: 25 September 2024 | Reviewed: 16 October 2024 | Revised: 30 November 2024 | Accepted: 11 December 2024.

HUBUNGAN ASUPAN CAIRAN, ASUPAN SERAT, DAN STATUS GIZI TERHADAP POLA DEFEKASI PADA ANAK SEKOLAH DASAR SDN 78 KOTA BENGKULU

Primary school children are an age group that is vulnerable to nutrition and health problems. One that is often faced by elementary school children is a shift in diet that tends to consume foods that are high in energy and low in fluid and low in fiber, which affects the defecation patterns experienced. This study aims to determine the relationship between fluid intake, fiber intake and nutritional status on defecation patterns of grade III primary school children at SDN 78 Bengkulu City. This study is quantitative with a cross-sectional design and used 62 respondent. The study was conducted from May-June 2024.. Data were collected through questionnaires and food recall forms for 3 x 24 hours. The results of univariate analysis obtained 58.1% of respondents with adequate fluid intake, 67.7% with insufficient fiber intake, 66.1% with normal nutritional status, 56.5% with irregular defecation patterns. The results of the chi square test showed no relationship between fluid intake (p=0.34) and fiber intake (p=0.90) to the pattern of decefation and there was a relationship between nutritional status (p=0.002) to the pattern of decefation. Based on this research, it is expected that respondents can maintain nutritional status and improve fluid and fiber intake.

HUBUNGAN ASUPAN ZAT GIZI MAKRO DAN FAKTOR LAINNYA TERHADAP STATUS GIZI BALITA DI PUSKESMAS GAMBIR KOTA JAKARTA PUSAT TAHUN 2024

The issue examined in this study is the relationship between macronutrient intake, infectious diseases, maternal nutrition knowledge, and feeding patterns in toddlers in the working area of Puskesmas Gambir, Central Jakarta. This research took place in the working area of Puskesmas Kecamatan Gambir, Central Jakarta City, in June 2024. The study used a cross-sectional design with chi-square analysis test using SPSS 25. The subjects of this study were toddlers aged 24–60 months, and the sample consisted of 81 toddlers. Data collection on the nutritional status of toddlers was done using anthropometric measurements (weight &amp; height) with digital scales and stadiometers. Macronutrient intake was assessed using a 2x24 hour food recall sheet, maternal nutrition knowledge was assessed using a maternal nutrition knowledge questionnaire, and feeding patterns were assessed using a child feeding questionnaire. Most toddlers had abnormal nutritional status, and the chi-square test results showed protein intake p=0.477, fat intake p=0.052, carbohydrate intake p=0.678, infectious diseases p=0.448, maternal nutrition knowledge p=0.225, and feeding patterns p=0.279. There was no relationship between macronutrient intake, infectious diseases, maternal nutrition knowledge, and feeding patterns with the nutritional status of toddlers.

The Prevalence of Food Insecurity and the Principal Determinants in Tubah Health District, North West Cameron

Aims: Determine the prevalence of food insecurity and identify the principal determinants of household food security in Tubah Health District. Study design: The study was a descriptive, cross-sectional survey conducted in 6 communities in Bambui Health Area of Tubah Health District. Place and Duration of Study: Bambui health area in Tubah Health District of the North West region of Cameroon. The study lasted 6 months, from February to June 2022. Methodology: One hundred and eighty one (181) households were included in the survey. In each household the female head of the household was interviewed with the aid of a questionnaire, to gather subjective information about feeding practices in the household. A structured face to face questionnaire was used to collect information on 7-day dietary intake and 24-hour food recall. Food security was assessed using the Food Consumption Score (FCS) and Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) as proxy indicators. Anthropometric measurements comprising weight, height and Mid upper arm circumference were obtained for infants under five years. Results: Food insecurity was found to be 65.2% when the Food Consumption Score (FCS) was used as a proxy indicator and 64.6% when Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) was used as a proxy indicator. Household income was a significant predictor of FCS and HDDS, P =.05 and P =.001 respectively. Factors that negatively impacted the ability of households to meet their food needs were mainly high food prices (66.9%), insecurity (65.7%) and sickness related expenses (55.8%). The prevalence of stunting was 30.7%. There was a statistically significant association between stunting and food insecurity, ꭓ2 (1, N = 101) = 8.8 and P =.05. Conclusion: Household food insecurity prevalence rate was high in this community and this could be related to the conflict which has led to many households losing their livelihoods and the reduced agricultural productivity.